Performing Arts and Drama and Theatre

The aim of the Performing Arts Department is to allow students access to Performing Arts, whether it be Drama, Dance or Music, during their time at Settle College. Many students will participate in a range of these disciplines during their time here.

Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 students have one lesson of Drama each fortnight and one lesson of Music each week.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, GCSE Drama offers a choice of Drama, Dance and Music performance, a small number of students choose to specialise in more technical areas such as Lighting, Sound and Set Design.

Student Comments
“I took Drama because it was one of the subjects I feel passionately about. Performing Arts in my opinion is expression with the body and voice and its more than just simply acting. It is performing in general whether that is singing a song from a musical or performing a piece of drama, it’s a subject you can make your own and that’s why I chose it.’’

“Drama A-level has been so enjoyable because it’s very personal; you can focus on the specific areas of Performing Arts you’re most interested in. It doesn’t feel like I’m doing work even when I’m putting extra hours in, as it’s something I love doing.”

“My confidence has grown, my performance skills have been challenged and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time doing drama at Settle College in lessons and as an extracurricular activity. It was the best choice I ever made.”

Course Requirements5 GCSEs at grade C or above, which must include:
Level 5 in English GCSE and Grade C in GCSE Drama
(Dance, Art, Music or Performing Arts would be useful, but is not essential)

Course Description (AS and A2)
A-Level Drama and Theatre is for actors, dancers or drama technicians who wish to further their skills in their chosen area. The course is performance based, rather than theoretical with an accompanying written portfolio.

Across AS and A2 units, students will learn about:

Drama and Theatre – a study of two drama texts and live theatre review (40%)
Creating Original Theatre – putting together a devised piece (30%)
Making Theatre – a study of three scripted texts, examined practically and through coursework (30%)

Assessment Procedure
Students will be encouraged to demonstrate their skills and talents by being assessed in practical ways through performance and writing about performance. Students will be assessed partly through portfolio, partly through a written exam about performance and partly through practical work. Work is assessed by the teacher and moderated by a visiting moderator.

Progression
The A-Level in Drama and Theatre qualifies for UCAS points so if students complete it successfully they could move on to study for a degree or BTEC Higher National Diploma in Drama, Theatre Studies or Performing Arts. Other courses, such as English Studies, would also value this A-Level study. Students can also go on to relevant employment.

Enrichment
We run a number of Theatre trips throughout the year. The department also puts on an annual production which includes students from all year groups. Previous productions have included “Alice”, “We Will Rock You” ,”Grease” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.